Subscriber identity module mobile station and method for performing a smart card function

Abstract

A subscriber identity module makes it possible to integrate different smart card functions with the SIM card used in a mobile station. The invention enables new diversified service combinations to be implemented so as to allow them to be utilized via a data communication device, such as a mobile station. A feature characteristic of these service combinations is that a part of the series of actions is carried out in a system and / or application external to the data communication system and the data communication device in addition to or instead of wireless communication between the mobile station and the data communication system / application.

Description

1. Field of the InventionThe present invention relates to a subscriber identity module for a mobile communication station, and a method of utilizing a subscriber identity module in a mobile communication station.2. Description of the Related ArtIn the prior art, a subscriber identity module is known that comprises a memory device, a data processing device connected to it and an interface for connection to a mobile station. Further, in a known method of communication between a subscriber identity module and a mobile station, the mobile station initiates the connection. The subscriber identity module as known at present cannot initiate communication with the mobile station. An example of such a system is the GSM system (GSM, Global System for Mobile Communications). Moreover, a subscriber identity module card is known in which a single physical card may contain several independent subscriber identity modules. An example of such a system is a SIM card (SIM subscriber-identification mod...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

Another object of the invention is to produce a subscriber identity module that makes it possible to unify the use of different cards, in other words, a subscriber identity module that allows the information on cards of different systems to be updated in a centralized manner and almost independently of location by using a mobile station. A further object of the invention is to produce a mobile station that makes it possible to combine the functions of different smart cards and that can be used in more versatile ways and also for purposes other than its conventional function.

As compared with prior art, the present invention affords the advantage that the subscriber identity module of the invention makes it possible to combine several cards used in different systems. Further, the invention makes it possible to unify the use of different cards included in the subscriber identity module; in other words, it makes it possible to update the information on cards of different systems in a centralized manner and almost independently of location by using a mobile station. In addition, the invention allows various smart card services to be used with a single card. In addition, the invention makes it possible to produce a mobile station by means of which the functions of different smart cards can be used and which can be used in more versatile ways and also for other purposes besides its conventional function. As a further advantage, the procedure of the invention provides a handy way to implement the previously slow and difficult smart card functions.

Problems solved by technology

Another alternative is to update the reader, but this is only possible in the case of a limited number of users.

A problem with these systems is that the user must carry several different cards used in different systems.

A further problem is that the various actions for updating of the cards, such as recharging the cards with money, changing the validity time, checking credit information and similar actions must always be carried out separately for each card at different points.

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